FLINT -- The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan continues to set the bar higher for its fundraising efforts.

The Flint-based agency announced during a news conference today its goal to raise $662,000 during its Face of Hunger holiday campaign.

It also hopes to break records for food distribution by putting nearly 19 million pounds of food on the tables of needy families this year. That's more than triple the amount distributed just over a decade ago.

Food Bank President Bill Kerr acknowledged that tough economic times may limit the dollars residents can dole out to the campaign, but said he's confident the community will help meet the growing need.

"We've seen the hardships around us, but the community has continued to step forward," Kerr said.

Collection envelopes for the food bank will be distributed in Friday's Flint Journal.